The priests and Levites had the important task of teaching the people God’s Word (Malachi 2:7) and officiating in worship. They were to devote themselves entirely to their work during their assigned periods of service, with all their needs being provided to them via the tithes and contributions. When the people failed to bring their tithes and offerings, the priests and Levites were forced to return to their own fields to provide for their own needs. This effectively prevented them from teaching the people the Word of God and from officiating in worship (Nehemiah 13:10).
8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.